VW gets OK for charging stations

California regulators approved on Thursday the first phase of Volkswagen’s plan to install electric vehicle charging stations around the state.

The plan, which will be carried out by a subsidiary called Electrify America, is part of a much larger, multibillion-dollar settlement over the automaker’s cheating on emissions tests.

Thursday’s decision by the Air Resources Board greenlights the first $200 million of the company’s required $800-million, 10-year investment.

The vote came after Electrify America increased the number of charging stations in disadvantaged communities. “It’s been a long process, but I hope you feel like it’s been worth it,” board Chairwoman Mary Nichols said.

Volkswagen’s investment could become an important part of the state’s efforts to increase the number of zeroemission vehicles on the road. It’s estimated that the company’s spending will provide up to 8% of the necessary charging infrastructure in the coming years.